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New auditor
At the fans forum last Monday Graham Turner stated that one of the directors was now doing the accounts. He claimed that this would be a cost-saving exercise. The last published accounts (up to May 2000) stated that the auditors fee was £4,500. The previous year cost £6,250. What is not clear is how much work was involved in these fees and whether advice was sought from the accountants. It is thought that Hugh Brooks is the director who is doing the accounts. He used to work for HLB Kidsons in Hereford (now Baker Tilly) who have been the accountants for the club for some years.
For a club with a turnover of under £1 million and relatively simple accounts a fee of £1,000 to £2,000 would be in line. This assumes that the VAT, wages and most other financial work is done by the club. In this day and age, there are computer programmes that can produce simple accounts and so the real need of an accountant is to check and finalise the accounts. He will prepare a tax return and have a short discussion with the club about the current situation. Only if "extra" advice is required should a larger fee be likely.
The move to in-house looks realistic but the club should insist that the accounts are done on time. Having to pay fines for late delivery of the accounts to Company House is pointless even if GT says £200 will not break the bank.